Review of Scales

| Posted in Reviews

The Portland Phoenix has reviewed Scales.

The fish stew is equally effective in mellowing strong flavors just enough — so that fennel animates rather than dominates the bright roasty tomato broth. The broth, a lovely orange-red, doesn’t pool with oil as so many do. Its richness complements the big pieces of firm swordfish and squid, along with many mussels. And a dish of seared scallops confirmed that Scales can make ambitious and complex dishes from shellfish too. Big chunks of sausage added some salt and fennel and chew, while the scallops themselves were buttery and tender. Pieces of charred endive added a bitter note to the creamy sauce.

First Review of Thai Esaan

| Posted in Reviews

The Maine Sunday Telegram has given Thai Esaan 4 stars.

Diminutive but exceptional Thai Esaan only seats eight people, but it packs an outsized wallop, introducing northeastern Thai (Esaan-style) cooking to Portland. No matter what else you order, be sure to sample at least a few of the regional specialties, especially the robust and comforting kanaa moo grob (crispy pork with Chinese broccoli), and the fragrant, oniony laab gai (ground chicken salad). King of all the Esaan offerings on the menu is the naked-looking khao mun gai (broth-steamed chicken with rice and chili sauce), a dish so perfect in its contrasts and secret scents and flavors that it will haunt your dreams – at least until you can order another serving…

Under Construction: Tasting Cellar

| Posted in Under Construction

Ricker Hill Farms has leased the former Evolution Fitness space in 1 Monument Way where they plan to open the Tasting Cellar. The 52-seat venue will serve Ricker Hill ciders and wines, as well as sell a variety of seasonal produce, baked goods from Foley’s, and other locally-sourced products (see draft list on page 288). They also have submitted plans to set-up an outdoor seating adjacent to the  building in Monument Square.

Ricker Hill is following in the footsteps of Sweetgrass, Oxbow and Cellardoor in setting up tasting rooms in town to reach a larger market more directly. Another good example is Black Dinah which moved their entire production facility from Isle au Haut to Westbrook.

50 Things to Eat in Portland

| Posted in Reviews

Spoon University writer Madeleine Cohen has compiled a list of 50 Things to Eat in Portland.

Often called the food destination in America, a food mecca, “foodie” heaven, and many other food nicknames, Portland is known for having some of the best restaurants in the world. Here’s a definitive list of all of Portland’s classic and famous eats, plus a few extras that everyone should have on their radar.

Under Construction: Brea Lu Cafe

| Posted in Under Construction

Brea Lu Cafe has signed a lease for 9 Westbrook Street in Westbrook, the former location of Thanksgivings.

According to a report from the Press Herald, owner Christian DeLuca hopes to open in August.

DeLuca said Brea Lu’s menu will be “exactly the same” as it was on Forest Avenue, featuring breakfast and lunch dishes. The restaurant will have its own parking lot, which the Forest Avenue location did not, and about the same amount of seating, at least at first.

You can see a video of the current interior of the space on Brea Lu’s facebook page.

Tandem Interview in Paste

| Posted in People

Paste has published an interview with Will Pratt, co-owner of Tandem Coffee Roasters.

Paste: What’s important to Tandem from the perspective of buying beans?
Will Pratt: The coffee has to have a story. Most of our coffee comes through importers, but we’re starting to travel a little bit with them, too. The people that we work with have been doing it for a long time; they’re vetted, and we know their principles.